Packy the Packrat's mother has had enough! It's time that he sorts through his ever-growing collection of trinkets and puts them away. Told in rhyme, the text leads the reader to participate in the sorting process by categorizing Packy's piles of things according to like characteristics and attributes. The reader response is worked into the rhyme, building a sense of anticipation. The illustrations include a humorous subplot about Packy's sister, who enjoys pilfering some of his things for her own enjoyment. Children will relate to the idea of having a collection of favorite objects and the satisfaction that comes from examining and admiring these collectibles. The story promotes and reinforces analogous thinking�a critical thinking skill in math, science, and life. In the supplemental activity section at the back of the book, the reader can explore even more attributes and characteristics of objects, including color, size, texture, shape, and material.
Written by Barbara Mariconda Illustrated by Sherry Rogers
“This is a great book. It is very useful in the classroom, but also has wonderful attributes for sharing at home.” – The Reading Tub
“This book is well worth adding to preschool and early grade shelves to reinforce science, math, and language lessons.” – Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database
“Barbara Mariconda’s strategy for teaching sorting is clever, creative and humorous. Sherry Rogers’ illustrations are bright and cheerful; her Pack Rat family is charming and will appeal to young children.” – Epinions.com
Author/Illustrator Info:
Barbara Mariconda (Ten for Me, Spring 2011, and Sort it Out!) is one of those people who has done it all! An educator (K-6), a mentor teacher, an adjunct professor of Children's Literature and Process Writing, Barbara has also written a wide variety of musicals, songs, and books. She has worked with Children's Television Workshop and Cherry Lane music on the creative staff of the Sesame Street Music Magazine. In addition to writing workbooks and beginning readers, her middle grade novel, Turn the Cup Around, was nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award for best children's mystery. She has also published numerous professional books for teachers, frequently speaks on the topic of writing for and with children, and provides professional development for teachers at seminars across the country. She is a partner in the educational seminar/consulting firm, Empowering Writers, LLC., and is a member of SCBWI. Visit Barbara's Website / School Visit Info.
